CVE-2025-38342 software node: Correct a OOB check in software_node_get_reference_args()
A malformed property in the Linux kernel software node subsystem can trigger an out-of-bounds read, potentially leading to system crashes or arbitrary code execution.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2025-38342?
CVE-2025-38342 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Debian Debian Linux, published on 10 Jul 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
software node: Correct a OOB check in software_node_get_reference_args()
software_node_get_reference_args() wants to get @index-th element, so the property value requires at least '(index + 1) * sizeof(*ref)' bytes but that can not be guaranteed by current OOB check, and may cause OOB for malformed property.
Fix by using as OOB check '((index + 1) * sizeof(*ref) > prop->length)'.
Weakness: CWE-125
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-38342?
It affects 2 products.
Products include Debian Debian Linux, Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38342?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2025-38342 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-38342 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Debian Debian Linux
Sources
Also known as AZL-64947, BELL-CVE-2025-38342, DEBIAN-CVE-2025-38342, GHSA-px3m-8xg9-4vqq, ROOT-OS-DEBIAN-11-CVE-2025-38342, ROOT-OS-DEBIAN-12-CVE-2025-38342 and 3 more.